AFCON 2021 Qualifiers (Group B):
- Burkina Faso 0-0 Uganda Cranes
- Malawi 1-0 South Sudan
Uganda Cranes fought gallantly for a precious away point during the goal-less draw with Burkina Faso during the AFCON 2021 group B qualifier at the Stade Du 4 Aout in Ouagadougou on Wednesday night.
It necessitated collective display right from players, the technical department, FUFA administration to the 13th man keenly following the game to earn the point away from home.
Left back Johnson Benson Ochaya had an early goal-line clearance before captain Denis Onyango was called upon to make routine collections and tame goal bound moments.
Abdul Lumala, Farouk Miya, Emmanuel Arnold Okwi and Patrick Henry Kaddu all troubled the opposition backline which remained solid.
In the second half, Uganda Cranes had the best scoring moment when Okwi headed onto the cross bar a curling corner kick by Miya.
Johnathan McKinstry and the technical team called for all the three mandatory changes as the game progressed.
Nico Wakiro Wadada was introduced for Bevis Mugabi at right back.
Patrick Henry Kaddu was rested for Isaac Muleme and later on Alexis Bbakka got introduced for Miya.
The team is now second in group B with a point, same like Burkina Faso. Malawi leads the standings with three points following their 1-0 victory earlier over South Sudan.
‘We had the fight and desire in the match against Burkina Faso. It is one pointed and we need to maintain doing this to earn on the road. We are now going back home and look forward that home game against Malawi at Namboole Stadium on Sunday, 17th November 2019. We call upon the fans to come and fill up the stadium’ McKinstry noted after the game.
Focus and action will quickly swing to the next game on Sunday, 17th November 2019 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole against Malawi in a duel that has been dubbed “366 Back To Namboole with Cranes”.
The delegation in Burkina Faso will fly back home on Thursday, 14th November 2019 aboard the chartered flight on Uganda Airlines.
Uganda Cranes XI:
Denis Onyango (GK, Captain), Bevis Mugabi (Nico Wakiro Wadada), Joseph Benson Ochaya, Timothy Denis Awany, Murushid Juuko, Khalid Aucho, Mike Azira, Faruku Miya (Alexis Bbakka),Emmanuel Arnold Okwi, Abdul Lumala, Henry Patrick Kaddu (Isaac Muleme)
Subs Not Used: Robert Odongkara (GK),Charles Lukwago (GK), Hassan Wasswa, Halid Lwaliwa,Taddeo Lwanga, William Kizito, Allan Kyambadde, Fahad Bayo, Allan Okello
Burkina Faso XI:
Adama Sawadogo (GK), Steeve Yago, Edmond Tapsoba, Issoufou Dayo, Yacouba Coulibaly, Charles Kabore, Bryan Boulaye Dabo, Jonathan Pitroipa, Eric Traore, Cyrille Bayala, Lassina Traoré
